Concrete-block-molding machine.



J. H. HOLLAND.

OONGBETE BLOOK MOLDING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED AUG. 18, 1910.

1,057,550. Patefited Apr. 1, 1913.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

Witnesses Inventor cowmnm PLANOGRAPH cm, WASHINGTON. u. c.

Patented Apr. 1, 1913.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

Witne ses COLUMBIA PLANDGRAPH C0.,WASHINJTON, D.C1

J. H. HOLLAND.

GONGRETE BLOCK MOLDING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED AUG.18, 1910.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

Inventor Witne ses v @7 fl Attdmeys J. H. HOLLAND.

GONGRETIQBLOGK MOLDING MACHINE. 5 APPLIOKTION FILED AUG. 18, 1910.

1,057,550. PatentedApr.1,19l3.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

JOSfP/ b. #01144/0 Witnesses Inventor v By Attorneys COLUMBIA PLANOGRAPH60., WASHINGTON. D c.

J. H. HOLLAND. GONGRETE BLOCK MOLDING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED AUG.1B, 1910.

1,057,550. Patented Apr. 1, 1913.

7 SHEETSSHEET 5.

J. H. HOLLAND. CONCRETE BLOCK MOLDING MACHINE.

APPLIUATION FILED AUG. 18, 1910.

Patented Apr. 1, 1913.

7 SHEETs-SHEET 6.

Attorneys COLUMBIA PLANQGRAPH CO.,WI\SHINGTDN. D. c,

J. H. HOLLAND.

CONCRETE BLOCK MOLDING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED AUG.1B, 1910.

1,057,550. Patented Apr.1,1913.

7 SHEET8SHEET '7.

Witnesses Inventor Attomeys COLUMBIA PLANOGRAPH 60., WASHINGTON, D. c.

JOSEPH HENRY HOLLAND, OF CENTRETON, ONTARIO, CANADA.

CONCRETE-BLOCK-MOLDING MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 1,1913.

Application filed August 18, 1910. Serial No. 577,870.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, J osurrr HENRY HOL- LAND,a subject of the King of England, residing at Centreton, in the Provinceof Ontario, Canada, have invented certain new and useful Improvements inConcrete- Block-Molding Machines; and I do hereby declare that thefollowing is a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, suchas will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to makeand use the same.

The invention to be hereinafter described relates to molding machineryand particularly to concrete block molding machinery.

Broadly speaking it comprises a support ing framework, a plurality ofside boards or side members hinged to the framework, adjustableconnections between the several side members, means for simultaneouslymoving all of said side members toward or from the center of theframework, a variety of pallets or bottom boards of various sizes andshapes adapted to be used with the supportingframework, a plurality ofextension members of various shapes and sizes adapted to cooperate withthe side members, and means for dividing the blocks into sections.

In order to more clearly disclose the construction, operation, and useof the machine, reference should be had to the accompanying drawingsforming part of the present application.

Throughout the several figures of the drawings like reference charactersdesignate the same parts.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a top plan view of the framework and sideboards in closed or operative position; Fig. 2 is a side elevation ofFig. 1; Fig. 3 is a plan view similar to Fig, 1, with the parts ininoperative position; Fig. 4 is a vertical cross section on line 4.-4 ofFig. 3, looking in the direction of the arrows; Figs. 5,6, and 8represent, in perspective views, a set of extension plates or membersused with the side boards for molding plain blocks; Fig. 7 is aperspective view of a division plate which may be used with the sideplates of Figs. 5, 6, and 8; Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a pallet orbottom board section adapted to be used with the members shown in Figs.5 to 8; Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a divider; Figs. 11 to 16 bothinclusive are perspective views of a set of extension members, divisionplate, and pallet, all adapted to be used with the side boards toproduce curved interlocking blocks; Fig. 17 is a top plan View, inoperative position, showing the application of the members of Figs. 11to 16; Fig. 18 is a vertical cross section on line 18-18 of Fig. 17,looking in the direction of the arrows; Fig. 19 is a perspective view,reduced, of a block molded by the machine as shown in Figs. 17 and 18;Figs. 20, 21, and 22 are perspective views of a set of extension membersadapted to be used with the side boards to produce blocks ofconsiderable depth; Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a center core; Fig.24 is a perspective view of a leveling board; Fig. 25 is a perspectiveview of one form of block molded by the machine; Fig. 26 is an end viewof an attachment for molding drain pipes and the like; Fig. 27 is a sideelevation of Fig. 26; Fig. 28 is the opposite end view of Fig. 2.6; Fig.29 is a vertical cross section on line 2929 of Fig. 27, looking in thedirection of the arrows; Fig. 80 is a perspective view of a divider tobe used with the drain pipe mold. Fig. 31 is a side elevation of thedrain pipe mold, attached and in operation; Fig. 32 is a perspective ofa complete drain pipe section; Fig. 83 is a top plan view, in operativeposition, of the machine with another set of extensions applied; Fig, 84is a vertical cross section on line 34t-34 of Fig. 33, looking in thedirection of the arrows; Fig. 35 is a perspective of a cradleattachment; Fig. 36 is a perspective view of the pallet or bottom boardshown in Fig. 34; Fig. 36 is a side elevation, reduced, of a blockmolded from the machine assembled as in Fig. 34; Fig. 37 is a top planview of Fig. 36; Fig. 38 is a perspective view of a block molded withthe use of the core shown in Fig. 23; Fig. 39 is a perspective view ofthe bottom section of the end member shown in Fig. 22; and F ig. 40 is aside elevation of the bottom section of the side extension member shownin Fig. 21.

The main objects of the invention are to provide a single, simplyconstructed, economical concrete block mold by which blocks of varioussizes and forms may be quickly produced. To this end, a singlesupporting frame work is provided and adapted to support the variousworking parts. To this framework are hinged a set of side boards whichcooperate with the supporting member to form the body of the -mold. Inorder to enable variety in the produc'tion, a series of pallets orbottom boards of different shapes are provided for use on the supportingframework and a plurality of extension plates are provided for use witheach side board.

Referring to the drawings in detail, 1 indicates a supporting table orframework mounted on substantial posts or legs 2. The lower end of eachcorner post is provided with brackets in which are hinged the lower endsof bars 3. To the upper ends of the bars are secured side boards 4t. Byswinging all of the boards 1 upward toward the vertical position, theywill cooperate with the table 1 and form a complete mold box or casing.It is desirable, of course, to effect this movement of all of the sideboards simultaneously. To that end, a specially constructed operatingdevice has been provided, as will hereinafter appear. The adjacent endsof the several side boards are connected by links 5 each provided with aprojecting perforated ear 6 forming an elbow about midway of the lengthof the link. In order to render the connection adjustable, it is made bymeans of threaded rods 7 pivotally connected to the opposite ends of thelinks and passed through perforated ears. 8 projecting from the sideboards. Adjustment is eflected by means of nuts 9 and 10 threaded on tothe rods and bearing against opposite faces of the ears 8. In the ear 6of each link is pivotally secured the end of a connecting link 11provided with a threaded end and adjustably connected to rod 12 by meansof nuts 13 and 14: threaded on the end of the link and bearing againstthe opposite faces of the upturned perforated end of the rod 12. Theopposite ends of the rods 12 are pivotally connected to ends of togglelever blocks or levers 15 which are journaled in opposite side boards.The toggle lever blocks are connected together by a single operatinghandle or lever 16. As this handle is swung from the position of Fig. 3to the position of Fig. 1, the links 5 will act to draw the side boardsinward to the position shown in Fig. 1.

Two of the side boards are each provided with supporting blocks 17 eachhaving a series of grooves 18 adapted to selectively receive removableextension members, as will hereinafter appear. The other two side boardsare provided with bars 19 slightly spaced to leave passages for thereception of the lower edges of extension members. In order to furthersecure the extension members in place, each side board is provided witha notch 20 to receive the shank of a screw or like device projectingfrom the back of the extension member.

We will assume that it is desired to mold a single large plain concreteblock of comparatively little thickness: To do this, the side boardswill be moved to the position shown in Fig. 3. Then a plain pallet orbottom board of the same size as the top of the support 1 will bearranged thereon. Next, two plain extension members 21 will be arrangedwith their lower edges in the innermost grooves 18 and their screwshanks 22 resting in the notches 20. Then the side extension members 23will be arranged so that their projecting tongues 24 will slide betweenthe space bars 19 and the side boards, their screw shanks 22 beingseated in the notches 20, just as in the case of the other extensionmembers. In order to hold the extension members 21 solidly in theirinnermost positions, adjusting set screws 25 are provided. These screwsare threaded into blocks 26 secured to the backs of the side members 21and their heads are adapted to engage the inner face of the adjacentside board and thereby hold the extension member spaced therefrom, atits upper edge, as well as at its lower edge where it is so held bybeing seated in the grooves 18. lVith the parts so assembled, it is onlynecessary to swing the handle 16 to the position shown in F ig. 2. Themold is then ready to receive the cement. Should it be desired to mold ablock of the same general type but only half the length, it will benecessary to substitute for the single pallet or bottom board two bottomboards 27. WVith these smaller bottom boards is also used the smallplain division board 21 provided with tongues 24 adapted to fit intogrooves 13 in' the framework. The division board, of course, fits downflush against the framework 1 and between the edges of the bottom boards27 when they are in position.

Should it be desired to divide either of the plain blocks (molded asabove) into sections, a divider 28 may be used. The side members 21 andthe division plate 21 are each provided with vertical slots 29 adaptedto receive the blades of the divider as it is forced downward throughthe material in the mold. On the other hand, should it be desired tomold interlocking, curved blocks, the parts shown in Figs. 11 to 16 willbe substituted for the parts used in molding the plain blocks. Onreferring to Figs. 11 to 16, it will be seen that the members 21 haveinwardly inclined upper portions to form the end of the block and thatthese members are also provided with tongue and groove, respectively, toform reverse tongue and groove members on the blocks. The side members23 and the division plate 30 are also provided with tongue and groovemembers for a like purpose. The division plate 30, when in position, isadapted to extend from one section 21 to the other. It is provided withtongues 30 adapted to pass through holes 31 in the frame 1 and to beclamped in place by set screws 32. Bottom boards 27 with curved uppersurfaces, are

arranged on the top of the frame 1 between the sections 21, 23, and 30,as shown in Figs. 17 and 18. The curved face of the pallet sections orbottom boards 27 and the curved upper edges of the members 23 and 30provide parallel curved surfaces for the blocks.

Should it be desired to mold narrow blocks of very considerable depth, aspecial cradle attachment may be used with the supporting frame. Thisattachment, and its use and operation, are more clearly disclosed byFigs. 33 to 37, both inclusive. Referring particularly to these figures,40 indicates two or more notched legs connected by a rod 41 and acrossbar 42. These notched legs are adapted to fit over and rest upon asupporting rod 43 extending longitudinally beneath the framework 1.Pivotally mounted on the frame ll is the cradle proper, comprising two Lshaped members 41th connected together by a bar 45 and a handle 46. Thehorizontal arms of the L shaped members are adapted to support faceplates 17, while the vertical arms are adapted to support pallets L8.The face plates 47 are provided with ears &9 adapted to be secured tothe horizontal arms of the l. shaped members, by means of screws 50 orthe like. The extension section 23, in this form, is of the requiredwidth to give the necessary depth to the molded block and may beprovided with a tongue, groove, or other formation to provide aninterlocking part in the molded block. The remaining extension members21, of course, are made of the required dimensions and may be similarlyprovided with tongue and groove forming portion.

lit may be desired to mold blocks of the same width and length as thosemolded by the machine when assembled as in Figs. 33 and 3d, and yet ofvarious other thicknesses and constructions. To this end, the sideextension members may comprise several parts detachably connected, as inFig. 21. This figure shows three parts, 51, 52, and 53. Part 51 isprovided with the tongue 24 for use as previously disclosed, and a spacebar adapted to receive between it and the part 51, the posts 50projecting downwardly from the part 52, which is likewise provided withthe space bar 56 to receive between it and the part the projecting posts57 of the part In this manner, the side extension member may be built upor reduced to suit circumstances. The adjacent sec tions, taking theplace of sections 21, are similarly constructed and arranged, of course.

In many cases, with blocks of considerable thickness, it may be desiredto provide hollows or very deep cavities in one or more faces of theblock. To this end, one part of each of the sections 21 (Figs. 20 and22) may be provided with cores. One of the cores may be made as a singlepiece or shell 53 of the desired shape, and provided with small end pins59 adapted to be slidably received in corresponding sockets or holes inthe section to which it is attached. In order to adjust this corehorizontally to vary the depth of the cavity in the face of the block, adouble ended screw 60 has been provided, one end bearing in the face ofthe extension member while the opposite end bears in the end face of thecore. Rotation of the screw, of course, causes movement of the core. Thecore connected to the opposite extension member, however, is not anintegral or one piece shell. It comprises two sections; section 61rigidly secured to one part of the extension member, and section 62overlapping section 61 and adjustably connected thereto by the doubleended screws 63. By rotating the screws 63, the core may be expanded orcontracted as desired, to increase or diminish the width of the cavitymade by the core. As shown in Figs. 20 and 22, these cores may bearranged so that cavities formed by them will not be directly opposite,but one above the other relatively to the thickness of the block. At thesame time, it may be desired to form a passage or opening through theblock. For this purpose, a central core is provided, adapted to extendfrom one extension memher through the cradle to the opposite memher.This core comprises two core sections 6% and 65 with the edges of oneoverlapping the edges of the other. The section 65 is provided with aseries of screws 66 threaded into its corners with their heads soarranged as to engage the corners of the section 64 when the section 64is fitted down over the section 65. In this way, the sec tions will bespaced apart. In order to draw the section 64 down on to the heads ofthe screws 66, tightening screws 67. are provided. These screws 67 passthrough the corners of the section 64 from the outside and are threadedinto the corners of the section 65. Consequently, by tightening thescrews 67, the two sections 64 and 65 may be drawn tightly together. Byturning the screws 60 in or out, before the section 6% is clamped inplace, the sides of the core may be varied to suit circumstances.

It is desirable, of course, to have the extension members braced or heldsolidly in place. For this purpose, the extension members or the lowersections thereof, may be provided with set screws 68 adapted to slipdownwardly into sockets or recesses 69 in the side boards 4. These setscrews may be turned or adjusted so as to take up any slack or spacebetween the side board and extension member, and hold the extensionmember solid and parallel with the face of the side board.

' If it is desired to mold drain pipe sections or the like, a specialattachment is used. This attachment is more clearly shown in Figs. 26 to31, both inclusive. Referring to these figures, indicates a base boardprovided with'ears 71 projecting downwardly therefrom and adapted topass through openings 81 in the frame 1, to be engaged by the clampingscrews 32 to be held in place. Extending upwardly from one end of thebase board, at right angles thereto, are a set of brackets 72 in whichis mounted a rod on which is hinged an end block 78. To the edge of theblock 73 is hinged one end of a pallet 74 provided with a plurality oflongitudinal core members 7 5 for forming the boards of the pipesect-ions. A plain pallet 76 is used for the top and is held tightly inposition by means of the pressure frame 77 hinged on the rod which ismounted in the brackets 72. This frame is forced to operative positionby means of a lever 78 pivoted thereon and engaging a staple 79 carriedby an end gate 80 hinged to the free end of the pallet 74.

In order to separate the pipe sections from each other as they aremolded, a divider 81 is used. The blades of this divider fit into slotsin the end gate 80 when the mold is closed. hen the mold is open and thedivider removed, the pipe sections will all be separate. By having theseveral parts of the attachment hinged, as described, 113 18 possible toswing it to and from operative position, as desired, thus making itpossible to discharge the molded pipe sections on to the plain pallet76, as soon as they are finished.

It is thought that the operation and use of the invention, and its seveall parts, will be clear from the preceding detailed descrip tion.

Changes may be made in the construction, arrangement, and disposition ofthe several parts of the invention without in any way departing from thefield and scope, of the same and it is meant to include all such withinthis application wherein only a preferred form has been disclosed.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new and desireto secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A mold for plastic material comprising extension members and movableside-boards recessed to engage and hold the same, in

two of which have a series of grooves for the reception of saidextension members, the other two side-boards being slightly spaced forthe same purpose, all of said side-boards being also notched in theirtops to receive attachments to said extension members, in combinationwith devices for supporting said side-boards and a handle andconnections for moving said side-boards toward each other or away fromeach other at will.

3. A mold for plastic material comprising extension members, side-boardswhich are notched on their top to receive attachments of said membersand otherwise adapted to receive and hold the latter, in combinationwith means for moving the said side-boards toward each other or awayfrom each other for closing or opening the mold.

4. A mold for plastic material comprising movable side boards, two ofwhich have a series of grooves for the reception of extension members,the other two side boards being slightly spaced for the same purpose,all of said side boards being also notched in their tops to receiveattachments of said extension members, in combination with means forsupporting the bottom of the mold, additional movable means forsupporting the said side boards, a handle for moving said side boardstoward or away from each other as it is raised or lowered, leversattached to said handle, devices connecting the side boards so that theywill move together and connections between said levers and said devicesarranged to effect the above mentioned operation of the side boards bythe said handle.

5. A mold having four laterally movable side boards, in combination witha pair of lever blocks pivoted at their middles to an opposite pair ofthese boards, two pairs of rods having reversely bent ends by which eachpair of them is pivoted to one of said lever blocks on opposite sides ofits pivot, links provided with elbows and arranged atthe corners of themold, devices connecting these links to the other side boards and a benthandle having its ends connected pivotally to the ends of said levers inorder that its movement in one direction may cause them to operate-theside boards simultaneously for closing the mold and its movement in theother direction may reverse this operation.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand in the presence of twowitnesses.

JOSEPH HENRY HOLLAND.

Witnesses i J. G. JACKSON, F. D. Boees.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressingthe Gommissioner of Patents, Washington, D. C.

